Nissan Almera MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 18,132 MOT tests on the Nissan Almera carried out in 2023. 44% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Almeras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1996 to 2006. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2004 models did best (56% passed, +0.1 points against the average for 19-year-old cars), while 1996 models fared worst (44%, −20.9 points). Tested cars had covered 86,627 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 23.4% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 18,132
- First-time pass rate
- 56%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −15.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 86,627
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Almera?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Almera MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,554 | 56% | 56% | −0.2 points | 86,027 |
| 2005 | 5,562 | 56% | 56% | −0.2 points | 86,933 |
| 2004 | 4,429 | 56% | 56% | +0.1 points | 87,791 |
| 2003 | 2,500 | 56% | 57% | −0.4 points | 86,512 |
| 2002 | 2,182 | 55% | 58% | −2.6 points | 88,212 |
| 2001 | 904 | 57% | 59% | −1.6 points | 81,442 |
| 2000 | 371 | 53% | 61% | −7.2 points | 77,720 |
| 1999 | 225 | 55% | 62% | −7.4 points | 78,087 |
| 1998 | 194 | 57% | 64% | −6.7 points | 83,245 |
| 1997 | 106 | 50% | 64% | −14.5 points | 91,982 |
| 1996 | 70 | 44% | 65% | −20.9 points | 92,852 |
Why the Nissan Almera fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Almera | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 23.4% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 13.7% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 11.2% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 8.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 7.4% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 6.8% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.4% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 4.6% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 4.3% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.9% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.0%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7%
- 3projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
- 4efficiency below requirements3.8%
- 5has a major leak of exhaust gases3.8%
- 6excessively binding3.8%
- 7not working on dipped beam3.8%
- 8prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
- 9warning lamp indicates a fault3.1%
- 10ball joint excessively worn3.1%
Common Almera MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Almera, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 16.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 13.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 9.0% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 8.4% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 6.9% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 6.7% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.3% |
Tips to help your Almera pass
Based on where Almeras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 23.4% of Almera tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 13.7% of Almera tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 8.2% of Almera tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Almera ULEZ compliant? See the Nissan Almera ULEZ check, or view all Nissan models.
Other Nissan models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 18,132 first MOT tests of the Nissan Almera carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 18,132 first MOT tests of the Nissan Almera.
What is the Nissan Almera MOT failure rate?
In our data, 44% of 18,132 first MOT attempts on the Nissan Almera ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Nissan Almera fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (23.4% of tests), brakes (13.7% of tests), suspension (11.2% of tests).
Which Almera year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2004 cars performed best: 56% passed first time, +0.1 points against the average for 19-year-old cars. The weakest was 1996, at 44% (−20.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Nissan Almera covered at its MOT?
The average was 86,627 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2006 cars averaged 86,027 miles and 1996 cars 92,852.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Nissan Almera?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.8% of Almeras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Almera's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 18,132 Almeras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 44% to 57% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Almera's MOT history
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